Although we're more familiar with anthrax headlines relating to its use as a biological weapon, the bacterial disease can affect grazing animals such as cows. The last livestock outbreak in Britain was in 2006.

The infected cow has been incinerated and preventative measures have been put in place at the farm in Wiltshire — no cattle from the herd have entered the food chain.

"The risk of infection in close human contacts of the animal is very low, and we are in touch with any potential contacts to offer public health advice," said Mike Wade, Deputy Director of Health Protection for Public Health England South West.

Anthrax is a bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, spores of which can survive in the environment for years or decades, according to Public Health England.

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